Bill > SB202

This bill addresses renewable energy incentives for homeowners with rooftop solar panels by requiring electric utilities to compensate customer-generators for excess electricity credits at the end of each twelve-month period. Under the new provisions, instead of losing unused electricity credits, homeowners who generate more electricity than they consume will now be able to receive payment for their excess kilowatt-hours, with the specific compensation rate to be established by the public utilities commission. The bill introduces a gradual implementation approach where utilities will pay 33.3% of the owed compensation in the first year, 66.6% in the second year, and 100% from the third year onward. The legislation aims to encourage more residential solar panel installation and energy conservation by providing a financial incentive for homeowners who generate renewable energy. Importantly, the bill specifically notes that these requirements do not apply to member-owned cooperative electric utilities, and it is designed to help Hawaii meet its goals of energy independence by actively involving consumers in electricity production.

Business and Industry, Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=202&year=2026